Speedway, IN (10/5/08) - Cunningham Juniors, part of Cunningham Motorsports – the official developmental race team for Penske Racing, is currently looking for drivers to fill its 3 USAC Midgets for 2009. Cunningham Juniors will once again partner with Ilmor engines to run the Ilmor Mopar in USAC National asphalt and dirt races, as well as selected USAC regional events.

“We are very pleased with the success of our program this season.” Said Bob Perona, managing director of Cunningham Juniors. “2008 being the first year of the program, and the first year for our engine builder Ilmor, our results have been solid and our program continues to grow and improve. In 2009 we will add a third car to the stable and we have plans to run at least one car in the full USAC Championship, and the other cars in all USAC National asphalt races as well as USAC Regional races.”

Cunningham Juniors became partners with the Penske Racing organization this season when it was announced that Cunningham Motorsports would be the official driver development partner for Penske. The Cunningham Motorsports ladder develops talented drivers through USAC, ARCA ReMax, and into Craftsman Trucks. It is the intention of Cunningham Motorsports and Penske Racing to move a new driver from this program into the Nationwide series every season. Drivers currently in the program include Tayler Malsam, who will move from the ARCA series this season into Craftsman trucks, and Parker Kligerman, whose success in USAC competition this year has earned him a seat in the Cunningham Motorsports ARCA ReMax car.

"We are excited to be working with Cunningham in 2009”, said Michael Nelson, Vice President of Operations for Penske Racing. “We are confident that this program will develop talented young drivers that will advance through the highest levels of motorsports. We look forward to closely watching these drivers throughout this season and beyond"

“We are looking for drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 to be a part of our program and to earn a spot on the Penske Development team,” says Perona. “One of the biggest challenges facing up and coming drivers today is the lack of a specific targeted ladder program that can take them from where they are now to their goal of driving at the highest level of the sport. Our program provides this opportunity. Penske Racing has challenged us to provide them with their drivers of the future, and we are proud to be working with such a tremendous organization.”

Testing for the 2009 program will begin in October. Qualified drivers that wish to be considered for this program should send their resume to Bob Perona at yieldtobob@hotmail.com or to our mailing address